RANK #633 / 1001 NAT · #7 / 12 MA · POP 231,668
1YR FORECAST: -0.2%
5YR OUTLOOK: +26%
Barnstable County, Massachusetts, encompassing the entirety of Cape Cod, is distinguished by its extensive coastline and diverse villages, with Hyannis serving as a central hub. The county is approximately 70 miles from Boston, with bus services offering commutes to Boston South Station in about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The region offers a blend of historic charm, as seen in Barnstable Village with its antique homes and galleries, and vibrant areas like Hyannis with its waterfront and cultural district. Outdoor recreation is a significant draw, featuring over 100 miles of beaches, including Sandy Neck Beach and Craigville Beach, numerous freshwater ponds for swimming and fishing, and extensive trail networks like the Cape Cod Pathways. The climate is moderated by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in milder winters and cooler summers compared to the mainland.
Life in Barnstable County attracts a mix of residents, including retirees and a growing number of younger, year-round individuals. The public schools in Barnstable County are generally rated above average. While traditionally a vacation destination, the economy is evolving beyond its strong tourism sector, which includes retail, accommodation, and food services. There is increasing focus on developing a "Blue Economy" that leverages the region's marine resources, with support for sectors like shellfishing and fin fishing. Efforts are also underway to foster diverse and innovative industries, with recent initiatives supporting small businesses and addressing infrastructure needs.
Barnstable County's data profile doesn't fit any single market profile cleanly — its housing, labor, and demographic signals pull in different directions (home prices +0.8% YoY, population +0.7%, wages +3.8%). About 414 U.S. counties show this kind of mixed-signal pattern.
See all 414 Idiosyncratic Markets counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (15x)
Housing looks overvalued at 22.5x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Commonwealth Wind Offshore Wind Farm (onshore interconnection)
Avangrid
|
$1,200M | Planned |
|
Vineyard Wind 1 Offshore Wind Farm (onshore interconnection)
Avangrid and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners
|
$800M | Completed |
|
Battery Storage Project
Undisclosed
|
$500M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 1001 counties.
At 36/100, Barnstable County faces headwinds that place it in the lower third of the 1001 counties we track. Median income of $95,241 combined with job growth of +0.1% suggests the local economy is struggling to keep pace with national trends.
Barnstable County leans toward the expensive side. A median home value of $629,000 against an income-to-home-value ratio of 0.15 means housing eats a bigger share of local earnings than the national norm. Renters face $1,678/month on average.
Barnstable County's population is growing — up +0.7% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of +0.1%). Home values shifted +0.8% over the past year. In-migration is outpacing local hiring, which often points to remote workers or retirees driving the headcount.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.59% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Barnstable County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.